Peaches are, without question, my favorite fruit. The moment I spot those first Georgia peaches in the market, I can barely contain my excitement — and every year when the last of the local crop disappears, I'm a little heartbroken. Over decades of baking, I've learned that the real secret isn't just adding sugar and calling it a day. It's about letting the peach be the star — reducing the sweetness so that fresh, straight-from-the-orchard flavor comes through in every single bite.
The recipes I'm sharing here run the full range, from a no-churn ice cream that comes together in ten minutes to a caramelized tart with enough wow factor to silence a table. You'll notice I reach for Amaretto often — it has a natural affinity with peaches that is simply hard to beat. I also rely on Instant ClearJel to keep fillings fresh-tasting without cooking the life out of the fruit. Whether you have an afternoon to spend or just an hour, there is something here for you. Don't let peach season slip by without making at least one of these.
Dutch Peach Pie
This is one of the most sensational tasting pies around, and I mean that sincerely. A flaky crust, ripe peaches lightly sweetened, and an easy crumb topping come together for the perfect bite every time. I've deliberately reduced the sugar so the full flavor of the peaches can shine through — because sometimes less really is more.
Peach Crumb Coffee Cake
A simple sour cream coffee cake topped with an uncooked peach filling and finished with loads of brown sugar crumbs — this is great any time of the day. The thick layer of peach filling requires no cooking because it's set with Instant ClearJel, which thickens without heat and keeps the fruit tasting exactly as it should. The crumbs alone are worth making this.
Roasted Peaches with Amaretti Crisp
Roasted Peaches with Amaretti Crisp is one of those recipes where the topping is so good you'll want to put it on everything — and I mean that literally, because it works beautifully over other fruit and ice cream too. The amaretti cookies bring a sweet, crunchy contrast to the soft roasted peaches that is simply irresistible. A quick dip in boiling water makes peeling the peaches effortless, so nothing stands between you and getting this in the oven.
Caramelized Peach Tart with Brown Sugar Crumble
Don't be put off by the several component parts — all of them can be made ahead and the tart assembled on the day of serving. From the press-in cookie crust to the creamy pastry cream to the intensely flavored caramelized peaches, every element earns its place. The brown sugar crumble made with almond paste is worth everything all by itself, and I've been told it's quite addictive as a snack.
Peach Amaretto Jam
If you've never made jam before, this is the perfect place to start — no large pot of boiling water, no fussy canning process. I've reduced the sugar to let the peach flavor come through and added a bit of amaretto to enhance it beautifully. It's so versatile: swirl it into no-churn ice cream, spoon it over cream biscuits, or simply eat it by the spoonful.
Peach Pizza
What a fantastic, eye-catching dessert this is for a summer dinner. Juicy peaches paired with a rich, buttery French pâte brisée crust and a tangy goat cheese filling — you are sure to be on the receiving end of some very happy kudos. It can be served warm or at room temperature, which makes it wonderfully easy to plan around.
Chilled Peach Soup
Peaches have a natural affinity with white wine, and together they make this chilled soup a very interesting and elegant end to a summer meal. Blended with amaretto, honey, and vanilla, it is a make-ahead dessert that couldn't be simpler. Because peaches vary so much in sweetness, I always recommend starting with less sugar and tasting before you add more.
No Churn Peach Swirl Ice Cream
I'm an ice cream lover of the first degree, and this one takes all of ten minutes to put together. My homemade Peach Amaretto Jam gets swirled through a simple no-churn vanilla base for a frozen treat that needs no ice cream maker whatsoever. I've seen confirmed peach skeptics go back for several helpings — consider yourself warned.
Peachy Keen Mascarpone Parfait
Peachy Keen Mascarpone Parfait is the kind of effortless summer dessert that looks far more impressive than the work it requires — and since it can be assembled the day before, you can spend your time actually enjoying the meal. Ripe peaches paired with creamy mascarpone and those wonderful amaretti cookies with their bitter almond edge make for a combination that is quietly spectacular. This one is a perfect way to close out a warm evening without turning on the oven.
Peach Sauce
This Peach Sauce made with white wine and Amaretto is the kind of thing you'll want to keep in your refrigerator all summer long — ready to pour over ice cream, cake, or anything else that needs a little something extra. The wine and Amaretto give it a depth of flavor that plain sugared peaches simply can't match, and both Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio work beautifully here. It comes together quickly, which means more time enjoying peach season and less time standing over the stove.
All About Peaches Summers Sweet Spot
All About Peaches: Summer's Sweet Spot is the post I wish I'd had when I first started working with this fruit — it covers everything from the difference between freestone and clingstone varieties to the best way to remove the skin without sacrificing any of that precious flesh. I'm particular about my peaches (Red Havens are my favorite, full stop), and knowing what you're actually buying at the market makes a real difference in how your recipes turn out. Consider this your essential guide before you start baking your way through the season.
Enjoy one or more of these easy summer desserts as we go into the fall. Thanks for sharing the summer with me.
Leave a Reply